2021 Hyundai Azera Review: A Luxurious Sedan from Korea
Introducing the 2021 Hyundai Azera, a luxury sedan from Korea designed to attract fans away from its competitors, including the Chevrolet Impala, Nissan Maxima, and Toyota Avalon. With its striking redesign, let's explore the changes and see if it justifies its price tag of 164,000 AED.
Driving Experience
For those unfamiliar with the Azera, it represents Hyundai's flagship sedan, the largest, most expensive, and luxurious offering before the introduction of their luxury brand, Genesis.
This luxurious sedan is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 286 horsepower and 338 Nm of torque. I found the driving experience to be exceptionally smooth, making you genuinely feel you're in a premium vehicle. The sound insulation is impeccable, and the 8-speed automatic transmission shifts seamlessly. The suspension has been finely tuned to make it nearly impossible to feel any bumps or road imperfections.
For those moments when you crave excitement, the Azera features paddle shifters behind the steering wheel and four driving modes, including a Sport mode that adjusts steering to be heavier, holds gears longer, and alters the instrument cluster's appearance. When you floor the accelerator, the Azera can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.4 seconds.
In terms of safety features, the Azera is equipped with Hyundai's Smart Sense technologies, which include:
- Blind-spot detection
- Lane-keeping assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Forward collision avoidance
- Blind-spot collision avoidance
- Driver attention monitoring
- Adaptive cruise control
Interior Design
Inside, the designers opted for an innovative approach, pushing boundaries and taking risks that have certainly paid off. The dark blue leather interior stands out and exudes a high-end feel.
The cabin features a luxurious Alcantara headliner, silver and black accents, and meticulous details such as the Azera insignia on the door panels. Its luxurious simplicity is highlighted by:
- A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster inspired by Mercedes-Benz
- A 12.3-inch infotainment display
- A smaller touchscreen for climate control
- A sleek gear shift knob for a more elegant appearance
The rear seats of the Azera offer exceptional luxury, with ample head and legroom, privacy shades on both sides, cup holders, air vents, and charging ports.
Technological Specifications
Like all Hyundai vehicles, the Azera comes with an extensive list of comfort, entertainment, and safety features, including:
- Heated and ventilated seats for the driver and front passenger
- Full panoramic sunroof
- Ambient lighting with 64 color options
- Wireless charger
- 360-degree cameras
- Infinity sound system with 10 speakers
For tech-savvy individuals, the Azera supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with the ability to play videos via USB. However, the most intriguing feature is the Nature Sounds system, designed to help you unwind after a long day by playing soothing sounds like a vibrant forest, raindrops, or a cozy fireplace. The only missing element to enhance your relaxation experience is the absence of a massage seat feature.
Exterior Design
Similar to many new Hyundai models, such as the Hyundai Palisade, the Azera's design is somewhat polarizing; some people love it while others completely dislike it. I believe the designers deserve credit for thinking outside the box. During the day, the plastic grille, which makes up about 90% of the front end, isn’t particularly attractive, but at night, it tells a different story.
The diamond pattern that begins at the front grille extends throughout the vehicle, found in the headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, taillights, turn signals, and even the wiper arms. The glass-encased Hyundai logo adds a touch of elegance and conceals all necessary sensors for safety systems like adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance. There are also effective air vents on either side of the bumper to improve aerodynamic efficiency and help keep the brakes cool.
At the rear, a full-length LED light bar features the diamond design and a very stylish diffuser that gives the impression of four exhaust outlets. The trunk can be opened either via the key fob or the hidden button within the Hyundai logo, and its deep design provides ample storage space.
Final Verdict
The 2021 Hyundai Azera surpasses its American and Japanese competitors with superior construction, better driving dynamics, and more advanced technology. But the real question is: are you willing to pay 164,000 AED for a Korean Hyundai?
